If you adore the cozy warmth of hot chocolate combined with a refreshing peppermint twist, you are in for a treat with this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture the magic of sipping a rich mug of peppermint hot cocoa in each bite, blending deep cocoa flavors with bursts of minty freshness and crunchy peppermint candy. Soft yet slightly chewy, studded with luscious chocolate chips and festive peppermint bits, these cookies are the perfect wintertime indulgence or holiday party favorite. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to sweet for sharing joy and warmth with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a unique role, whether it’s bringing the soft cookie base, that unmistakable cocoa richness, or the refreshing peppermint crunch.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that holds everything together with a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the cookies their deep chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and achieve the ideal softness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate and peppermint flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moistness to make the cookies melt in your mouth.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly while aiding in texture for that delicate chewiness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s tender structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, complementing the cocoa notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: Delivers that bright, refreshing peppermint kick essential to the recipe.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Melt into gooey pockets of extra chocolate bliss.
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Adds festive crunch and bursts of candy cane flavor throughout.
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: For a bit more texture and chocolate variety, sprinkled on top as a yummy garnish.
How to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for evenly baked cookies that won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze and ensuring perfect shapes every time.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This step evenly distributes the cocoa and leavening agents for consistent deliciousness in each cookie.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This process incorporates air to give your cookies a lighter texture and an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Step 4: Add Wet Flavorings
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until fully combined. The peppermint extract is what really sets this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe apart, infusing that cool minty flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich cocoa.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here; you want tender cookies, not tough ones!
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate and Peppermint
Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and half of the crushed peppermint candies. These add delightful bursts of chocolate and candy cane crunch throughout every bite.
Step 7: Shape and Decorate
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Arrange on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Press a few extra mini chocolate chips and crushed peppermint pieces on top of each ball for a festive and inviting look.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and chewy. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets the cookies finish setting while staying tender inside.
How to Serve Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of finely crushed peppermint candies over the warm cookies just before serving. You can also dust them lightly with cocoa powder or drizzle some melted white chocolate for a pretty contrast and added sweetness.
Side Dishes
These cookies are fantastic alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate or peppermint tea to echo their flavor profile. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple whipped cream dollop nearby elevates the experience into a full dessert delight.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging these cookies in a festive holiday cookie platter with sprigs of fresh mint or red and green candies for color. You can also package them in cellophane bags tied with a red ribbon as charming homemade gifts that your friends will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to keep the cookies soft and prevent the peppermint candy from absorbing moisture and losing crunch.
Freezing
To save some for later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge again.
Reheating
Warm cookies gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes or microwave individually for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that just-baked softness. This little trick makes every bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use candy canes instead of crushed peppermint candies?
Absolutely! Just crush candy canes into small pieces and use them in the same quantity as the peppermint candies. They’ll melt into the dough to give that classic peppermint crunch and flavor.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
If peppermint extract isn’t on hand, you can substitute with a few drops of pure peppermint oil or even a strong peppermint-flavored syrup. Just be careful with quantities because these alternatives can be more potent.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe is made with all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you could experiment with a gluten-free flour blend labeled for baking, but adjustments might be needed to get the perfect texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can chill the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Chilling helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker, more decadent cookies.
How do I make the cookies more chewy?
For extra chewiness, try replacing half the granulated sugar with brown sugar, which adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor that complements the cocoa beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about a cookie that tastes like a warm cup of peppermint hot chocolate, and this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe captures that magic perfectly. It’s an easy recipe that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and rewards you with wonderfully soft, minty, and chocolatey bites. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and enjoy baking these heartwarming cookies that are sure to brighten any day, especially during the festive season.
Print
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
Description
These Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies combine rich cocoa with festive peppermint flavors, mini chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies for a delightful holiday treat. Soft and chewy with a hint of mint, they capture the cozy essence of hot chocolate in cookie form.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to combine all the dry ingredients evenly, then set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes. This step is vital for texture.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the large egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until fully incorporated, adding flavor and moisture to the dough.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined without overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate and Peppermint: Fold in the mini chocolate chips and half of the crushed peppermint candies to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Decorate: Press a few extra mini chocolate chips and some more crushed peppermint candies on top of each cookie for a festive appearance and additional flavor.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are set while the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breaking.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter softened at room temperature for best creaming results.
- Do not overbake; cookies should have soft centers for the ideal texture.
- Crushed peppermint candies can be substituted with candy canes or peppermint bark for different textures.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For extra peppermint flavor, add a bit more peppermint extract but do so cautiously to avoid overpowering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
